William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Newmarket’s July Festival Friday card and the day’s action from York.
Newmarket, Friday
MARHABA GHAIYYATH can continue Charlie Johnston’s fine run of form in Newmarket’s TV opener today (1.50). Impressive at Redcar last time, he looks sure to keep improving, with a strong likelihood that the step back up in distance will offset his rise in the weights. He likes fast ground, and should have a big chance from near the head of affairs.
SPICY MARG might be a bit of value against the favourite in the Duchess of Cambridge (2.25). She looked rapid on debut, before underperforming when fancied in the Queen Mary. Despite being in season, she didn’t run that badly, and this track and ground should suit very well.
DANCING IN PARIS is the pick in the staying handicap (3.00). He’s run three really solid races this season, is officially still well-in, and has no stamina doubts. Bound to be thereabouts if he’s in the same form.
ATSILA has now found herself about the right price for the Falmouth (3.35), but remains interesting at double figure odds. She beat Cercene in the Athasi Stakes, form that should put her right in the mix, and was far from disgraced in an Irish Guineas when nothing went right for her. A swinging gallop here should see her to much better effect for last year’s winning stable.
York, Friday
PHYSIQUE is about ready to pop up in the York opener (2.10). He’s a quick horse at this distance, and is ideally drawn for this fast, dogleg seven furlongs. He wasn’t at all knocked about once his winning chance had gone last time, and that run should have put him spot on. He remains well handicapped.
HOLD A DREAM could massively outrun her odds in the Summer Stakes (2.45). She’s gone within whiskers of two decent Listed races, and the best of her form leaves her little to find with the principals. She wants the sixth furlong, but wants a track to be able to slide along and use her speed, so this should be perfect.
